There are no two ways about it, January is depressing. With endless grey skies, dull streets stripped of fairy lights and no trace of snow it’s difficult to find the usual momentum to put on smiles, heels and celebrate all of Wimbledon's usual glory.
However, there is a lot of love in Merton at the moment as our hero pub The Alexandra has launched 'Meet up Mondays;' offering free tea, coffee, sandwiches and bingo to anyone who feels lonely. The Sound Lounge has also opened it's heart to the community during the 'Friendship Coffee Hour' for anyone alone or unemployed every Thursday at 11am.
My own inbox is already starting to fill up with invitations to new shop launch parties, charity events and health workshops.
The first event of the year was at the glorious The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon Village, attended by local businesses, press, residents and The Ivy regulars. Robert Holmes, Mark Gordon, editor of Darling magazine Karine Torr and I were given a sneak peek of their winter terrace, whilst being served an abundance of canapés and champagne.
It certainly brightened all our moods and helped kick start the new year and given me a new lease of life in looking forwards to Illumin8 launch party in the village on Thursday evening and Fitness Space gym on the Broadway on Friday.
The charity event of the month I will be supporting is the Mayor of Merton's celebration of Merton music in aid of Merton Mencap and Commonside Community Development Trust. The event will be on 27th January at St Mark's Church of England Academy. Tickets available: mayor@merton.gov.uk
February also looks bright as the 1st of the month Cannizaro House at Hotel Du Vin are hosting an ‘Old World vs New World’ wine dinner with tickets still available.
I've already booked for my daughter and I to see ‘I Believe In Unicorns’ at the Polka Theatre and have some exciting plans for a Valentines ball to get the party season back on track.
Good luck getting through this dreary month, as we all know brighter days are coming.
Stay Warm
#LadyWimbledon
@LadyWimbledon
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